IT IS fair to say it has been a big few weeks for Sam Mayes.

Not only did the versatile midfielder finally get his long-awaited club debut for Port Adelaide but he also found out he was going to become a father for the first time.

Mayes and his partner Cassie Burton announced earlier this month that they were expecting their first child in January.

Emotions have been running high for the 25-year-old since coach Ken Hinkley announced Mayes would make his club debut at the Gabba on Sunday,

After being listed as an emergency 17 times since arriving at Alberton from Brisbane in the 2018 AFL trade period, it was a big moment to finally get the call-up.

So too was the grandstand finish to the game, which saw Mayes involved in the build-up to Robbie Gray’s after-the-siren goal.

“Crazy, unbelievable feeling,” Mayes said of the emotions after the game.

“A little bit of Robbie Gray magic at the end. It really couldn’t have gone any better.

“There was a bit of a rollercoaster of emotions.

“I was speaking to Ollie (Wines) before and we were saying how it was just up one end and Cunningham gets the ball and it looks like it’s going through and (Zak) Butters takes his mark on the goal line and then Toddy (Marshall) misses that snap.

“And then when Robbie was lining up at the end, I mean you didn’t want the ball in anyone else’s hands I don’t think because he’s the GOAT (Greatest of All Time) for a reason.

“I’m just speechless around just how good he is.”

After 101 AFL games with Brisbane including 51 at the Gabba, Mayes is not your usual club debutant.

But he has had to bide his time and continue to work hard to get his chance.

It was just a coincidence that it finally came back at the venue he has played at more than any other.

“It felt pretty natural to be honest,” Mayes explained.

“I’ve obviously played a few games around here before and it was just nice to get back out at the top level and play AFL footy again.”

He finished the game with 17 disposals, four marks, four tackles and a clearance as well as 347 metres gained, ranking him fourth on the ground.

He also had the vital goal assist for Gray’s game winner.

It caps a big month for Mayes, although in typical modest fashion, the Port Pirie product has played it down.

“It’s amazing news. It’s so exciting for me and Cass and obviously to get the (AFL) call-up fills me with a little bit of pride,” he said.

“But as long as Cass remains healthy throughout the pregnancy and the team keeps winning games, it’ll keep me a pretty happy man.”